On April 21, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort had the opportunity to tour United Excavating, a growing company headquartered in rural Montgomery with an additional location in New Whiteland. Students were welcomed by founder and owner Trent Graber and his sons, Colton and Tristan, who shared the story behind the company’s growth and success.
Since launching United Excavating in 2008, Trent has transformed the business from its beginnings in the oil field industry into a respected company specializing in commercial and large-scale residential construction. Through years of steady growth, the company has remained grounded in the values of faith, honesty, integrity, and hard work—principles that continue to shape both its culture and reputation.
During the discussion, Trent emphasized several qualities he believes are essential when hiring new employees. He explained that attitude, body language, and even the cleanliness of a person’s vehicle can reveal a great deal about character and responsibility. As Trent shared with the students, “If someone doesn’t take care of their own vehicle, they probably won’t take care of mine either.”
Throughout the visit, Trent and Colton offered practical advice and real-world lessons learned through years of business ownership and leadership. Students heard the importance of showing up on time, taking pride in every task, maintaining strong communication, and understanding that hard work cannot be replaced. They also stressed the value of accountability, learning from mistakes, and building lasting relationships with customers and employees alike.
The group also gained insight into the realities of operating a business, including the importance of understanding margins and making wise decisions rather than simply saying “yes” to every opportunity. Above all, they encouraged students to pursue work they genuinely enjoy and can take pride in every day.
Today, United Excavating has expanded to employ approximately 80 team members while operating in eight different states. The Daviess County CEO Cohort greatly appreciated the hospitality, transparency, and encouragement shared by Trent, Tristan, and Colton. Their willingness to invest in the next generation of leaders made for an inspiring and memorable experience.
